Golden Gate Canyon Loop
Location: 16 Miles Northwest of Golden, Colorado

Relevant Data
Start Elevation (ft): 7,874
Finish Elevation (ft): 7,810
Min. Elevation (ft): 7,611
Max. Elevation (ft): 8,896
Distance 8.5 Miles

Difficulty:
Moderate Difficulty, though you can change the route to make it Difficult

Getting There:

Take Highway 6 into Golden.  Take a right on Route 93 North.  Turn left onto Golden Gate Canyon
Road.  The road will go for approximately 12 miles, it's winding and uphill, thus not a quick drive.  You
will eventually come to the Golden Gate Canyon State Park entrance.  There is a kiosk there where
you can purchase a day pass for $6.00, if no one is working the kiosk, you will have to fill out an
envelope and purchase a parking ticket (via the honor system).  You will also find the Golden Gate
Canyon Visitors Center to your right, it would be a good idea to stop in and grab a detailed map
(free).  Once you have your parking pass, continue down the road and take your first right onto
Crawford Gulch Road.  Take this road for 2.2 miles until you are at the Bridge Creek trailhead, which
will be on your left.


Golden Gate Canyon Loop Trail:

Starting at the Bridge Creek Trailhead, proceed north out of the parking lot.  At the first junction, take
a left onto the Mountain Lion Trail, you will see the marking of Mountain Lion's paw.  Turn right at
another junction with the Buffalo Trail, to stay on the Mountain Lion Trail.  You will then come to a
three way junction, where you have a few options.  If you're up for it, head south (you will see a sign
pointing to Windy Peak) to the Windy Peak (.4 miles), this part of the trail is rather steep and tough.  
However, at the top you will find a great lookout (see the picture above).  The map/gps data that I
have below does not show this route, as it is a simple out and back, once you arrive at the top of
Windy Peak you will have to come back down to the three way junction.  Take a left at the three way
junction.  When you approach the quarry access trail at the 5 mile mark, turn right.  You will then
proceed down to the Nott Creek Trailhead which will take you to the Burro Trail, turn left onto the
Buro Trail and follow it back down to the Bridge Creek Trailhead.

When you are inside Golden Gate Canyon State Park, you have a ton of options.  This is just one
example and it's nice because it's a bit longer run.  However, if you pick up a map from the visitors
center, you will notice that some of trails are listed as more difficult.  I've also run up Black Bear Trail
(Most Difficult) and it's a punisher, so give that one a try if you're feeling adventurous.

Also, don't feel like you have to take my directions, the trails are pretty well marked, so you can run
freely and not worry about getting lost because most of the trail junctions have directions, maps and
distances to the next point.   As I said earlier, pick up a map from the Visitors Center.
Bridge Creek Trailhead: